Neuropathy secondary to drugs

Definition

Neuropathy secondary to drugs is a loss of sensation or movement in a part of the body due to nerve damage from a certain medicine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The damage is caused by the toxic effects of certain medications on the peripheral nerves (nerves that are not in the brain or spinal cord). There may be damage to the axon part of the nerve cell, which interferes with nerve signals.

Most commonly, many nerves are involved (polyneuropathy). This usually causes sensation changes that begin in the outside parts of the body (distal) and move toward the center of the body (proximal). There may also be changes in movement, such as weakness.

Treatment

Treatment is based on the symptoms and how severe they are. The medication causing the neuropathy may be stopped, reduced in dose, or changed to another medication. (Never change any medication without first talking to your health care provider).

The following medications may be used to control pain:

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful for mild pain (neuralgia).

Phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline may reduce the stabbing pains some people experience.

Opiate pain relievers, such as morphine or fentanyl, may be needed to control severe pain.

Whenever possible, avoid or reduce medication use to lessen the risk of side effects.

If you have lost sensation, you may need to take safety measures to avoid injury.

Expectations (prognosis)

Many people can partially or fully return to their normal function. The disorder does not usually cause life-threatening complications, but it can be uncomfortable or disabling.

Complications

Inability to function at work or home because of permanent loss of sensation

Pain with tingling in the area of the nerve injury

Permanent loss of sensation (or rarely, movement) in an area

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have a loss of sensation or movement of any area of the body while taking any medication.

Prevention

Your health care provider will closely monitor your treatment with any medication that may cause neuropathy. The goal is to keep the proper blood level of medication needed to control the disease and its symptoms while preventing the medication from reaching toxic levels.